Nine years for leader of violent knife gang

The leader of a gang responsible for an "appalling and terrifying attack" on a group of four people was jailed today for nine years.

Jason O'Brien, 18, lashed out with a knife, leaving three of the four with horrific injuries after they had tried to stop him attacking someone else.

Six other youths aged from 15 to 18 were jailed for between six and 18 months for their part in the attack in Kingston town centre in April last year.

Judge Kenneth Machin said the victims, Daniel Roberts, Wickus Vlok, Matthew Derbyshire and his girlfriend Kristen Bye, would carry mental scars all their lives. The four intervened when they saw the gang pursuing a young man.

A 17-year-old and a 15-yearold, neither of whom can be named, were jailed for 18 months for violent disorder. Another 17-year-old was jailed for six months. Teah Clarke was jailed for six months for affray.

Joshua Barley and Junior Harris, both 18, were each jailed for 12 months for violent disorder.